Wheel cover



Nov; 25, 1969 E. E. FOSTER ET AL WHEEL COVER ll Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 6, 1969 INVENTORS. Eowm E. FOSTER gHoMAs E. FOSTER ATTORNEYS v J Nov. 25, 1969 E.FOS'TER :TAL 3,480,329'- WHEEL COVER Filed Jan. 6, 1969- 11 Sheets-Sheet 2 INYENTQRS i vi'iw Fcs'rm WQGMAS E. FOSTER BY Z k 'M ATTORNEYS Nov. 25, 1969 E. E. FOSTE IR ET AL 3,480,329 WHEEL COVER Filed Jan. 6, 1969 ll Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS EDWIN "E. FOSTER BY THOMAS E. FosTER v ATTORNEYS N6v.25,1969' EFOSTER ETAL 3,480,329

I WHEEL COVER Filed Jan. 6, 1969 v 11 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORS I EDWIN E.'FOSTER BYTHOMAS E; FOSTER ATTOR N'EY6 Nov. 25, 1969 5,5. FOSTER E'T'AL I 3,480,329

. WHEEL COVER Filed Jan. 6, 1969 ll Sheets-Sheet 5 Fscs. l5

no 20 Q 1 VENTORS EDWIN E. OSTER THOMAS E. FOSTER i I A; u t:

ATTORNEYJ) Nov; 25, 1969 E. FO T ET AL WHEEL COVER ll Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Jan. 6, 1969 Fla. i8

FIG. 19

INVENTORS Eowm E. FOSTER BY THOMAS E. FOSTER 7 ,fls M K ATTORNEYS Nov. 25, 1969 i E. E. FOSTER ET AL 3, (),3 2?.9v

WHEEL COVER 1]. Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Jan. 6, 1969 INVENTORS Eowm E. FOSTER BY THOMAS E. FOSTER A'r'roelvsvs Nov. 25,1969 FOSTER ET AL 7 3,480,329

' WHEEL COVER Filed Jan. 6, 1969 11 Sheets-Sheet s FIG. 25

INVENTORS EDwm E. FOSTER BY THoMAs E. FOSTER ATTOENEY5 Nov. 25, 1969 I E. E. FdsTr-zR ET 3,480,329

WHEEL COVER ll Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed Jan. 6, 1969 INVENTORS Eowm 'E. FOSTER THOMAS .E. FOSTER ATTORNEYS Nov. 25, 1969 E. E. FOSTER ET AL WHEEL COVER 1]. Sheets-Sheet 10 Filed Jan. 6, 1969 INVENTORS EDWIN E. FO$TER THOMAS E. FOSTER ATTORNEYS Nov.25,19s9 E, E JOSTER ET AL 3,480,329

WHEEL COVER Filed Jan. 6, 1969 11 Sheets-Sheet 1.1 v

FIG. 32

I INVENTORS Emwm E. FOSTER Y THOMA E. FOSTER ATTOR NE Y6 United States Patent 3,480,329 WHEEL COVER Edwin E. Foster and Thomas E. Foster, Austin, Tex., assignors of one-half to Edwin E. Foster Continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 685,382, Nov. 24, 1967. This application Jan. 6, 1969, Ser. No. 789,251

Int. Cl. B60b 7/06 U.S. Cl. 301-37 28 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A vehicle wheel cover having a circumferentially expandable ring member mounted on the rear side thereof and a rotary toggle mechanism for contacting and expanding the ring member. The cover is adapted to be placed against a wheel cover and the toggle mechanism actuated to expand the ring member into tight frictional engagement with an annular surface on the rim of the wheel to retain the cover on the wheel.

This application is a continuation-in-part of our prior co-pending application Ser. No. 685,382, filed Nov. 24, 1967.

This invention relates to vehicle wheel covers and more particularly to a novel mechanism for attaching a cover to and removing the cover from a vehicle wheel.

It is an object of this invention to provide a vehicle wheel cover that is adapted to be mounted on and removed from a vehicle wheel in an easy manner and in a minimum of time.

More specifically, the invention has for its object the provision of an expandable ring mounted on the rear side of a vehicle wheel cover and a rotary toggle mechanism for expanding the ring into tight frictional engagement with the annular surface of the vehicle wheel rim for firmly retaining the cover on the wheel.

An additional object of the invention resides in the provision of mounting means for a vehicle wheel cover which are admirbaly adapted for use on a plastic molded wheel cover.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a vehicle wheel having a cover according to the present invention mounted thereon.

FIGURE 2 is a sectional view along the line 22 in FIG. 1.

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary view of a portion of the mounting means on the rear side of the cover.

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view along the line 4-4 in FIG. 1.

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view along the line 5-5 in FIG. 4 and showing the toggle mechanism in the locked condition.

FIGURE 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 and showing the toggle mechanism in the unlocked condition.

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary sectional view of the toggle mechanism as viewed along the line 7-7 in FIG. 6.

FIGURE 7a is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the toggle mechanism.

FIGURE 8 is a plan view of a wheel having a modified form of cover according to the present invention mounted thereon.

FIGURE 9 is a sectional view along the line 9-9 in FIG. 2.

FIGURE 10 is a sectional view along the line 10-10 in FIG. 8.

FIGURE 11 is a plan view of the rear side of the cover illustrated in FIG. 9 and showing the toggle mechanism in the unlocked condition.

FIGURE 12 is a fragmentary plan view of a modified form of rotary toggle mechanism.

3,480,329 Patented Nov. 25, 1969 FIGURE 13 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 13-13 in FIG. 12.

FIGURE 14 is a view similar to FIG. 12 and showing the toggle mechanism in the unlocked condition.

FIGURE 15 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 15-15 in FIG. 12.

FIGURE 16 is a fragmentary plan view of another form of rotary toggle mechanism.

FIGURE 17 is a sectional view along the line 17-17 in FIG. 16.

FIGURE 18 is a fragmentary view, with portions broken away, of a vehicle wheel with another form of wheel cover according to the present invention mounted there- FIGURE 19 is a sectional view along the line 19-19 in FIG. 18.

FIGURE 20 is a plan view of the rear side of another embodiment of wheel cover according to the present invention. 1

FIGURE 21 is a sectional view along the line 21-21 in FIG. 20 showing the cover mounted on a wheel.

FIGURE 22 is a view similar to FIG. 21 and taken along the line 22-22 in FIG. 20.

FIGURE 23 is a fragmentary plan view showing the cover illustrated in FIG. 20 mounted on a wheel.

FIGURE 24 is a fragmentary perspective view of an alternate form of the cover illustrated in FIG. 20.

FIGURE 25 is a fragmentary perspective view of a further alternate form of the cover shown in FIG. 20.

FIGURE 26 is a rear plan view of another form of wheel cover according to the present invention.

FIGURE 27 is a fragmentary plan view of a portion of the wheel cover shown in FIG. 26.

FIGURE 28 is a sectional view along the line 28-28 in FIG. 26 and showing the cover mounted on a wheel.

FIGURE 29 is a plan view of the rear side of a wheel cover according to another modification of the present invention.

FIGURE 30 is a sectional view along the line 30-30 in FIG. 29 and showing the cover mounted on a wheel.

FIGURE 31 is a sectional view along the line 31-31 in FIG. 29.

FIGURE 32 is fragmentary plan view of a modified form of.mounting means for a vehicle cover similar to the form shown in FIG. 29 and illustrating the rotary toggle locking mechanism.

FIGURE 33 is a fragmentary plan view of another portion of the wheel cover shown in FIG. 32.

FIGURE 34 is a sectional view along the line 34-34 in FIG. 32.

The wheel cover construction of the present invention is characterized primarily by the provision of an expandable ring member mounted on the rear side of the wheel cover and which is adapted to be circumferentially expanded and contracted by a rotary toggle mechanism. The ring member is designed so that when it is circumferentiallyexpanded by the rotary toggle mechanism it is adapted to frictionally engage an annular gripping surface on the wheel rim to firmly mount the cover on the wheel. When the ring member is circumferentially contracted the cover may be easily removed from the wheel or inserted against the wheel to be locked thereon. The various embodiments of the cover illustrated herein have features which further simplify the mounting and removal of the cover on the wheel, which enhance the reten-. tion ability of the wheel cover mounting mechanism and which facilitate its economical manufacture.

In FIG. 1 there is illustrated a vehicle wheel 10 having a tire 12 mounted thereon and a cover 14 overlying wheel 10 and mounted thereon by means of an expandable ring 16. Wheel 10 is a conventional vehicle wheel having a center body portion 18 and a drop-center rim 20. Rim 20 has a conventional tire bead seat 22 provided with a curved tire bead retaining flange 24 and a safety groove portion 26.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 cover 14 is molded from plastic and has a dished central body portion 28 which is recessed axially inwardly of the wheel as at 30 and an outer peripheral portion 32 which is adapted to overlie the tire bead retaining flange 24. Ring 16 is mounted on the rear face of cover 14 by means of a plurality of sheet metal brackets 34 which are secured to an annular boss 36 by headed screws 38. Brackets 34 are connected with ring 16 at circumferentially spaced points by suitable means, such as by welding.

As is shown in FIG. 1, ring 16 is of generally circular shape and has parted ends 40, 42. The parted ends 40, 42 are interconnected by a rotary toggle mechanism generally designated 44. Ring 16 is mounted on the rear side of cover 14 so that the toggle mechanism 44 is located generally diametrically opposite an opening 46 in the cover which accommodates the valve stem 48 of the vehicle wheel or tire. At the location of valve stem opening 46 ring 16 is preferably formed as a cord 50 for clearing valve stem 48.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 though 7a, the construction and operation of the rotary toggle mechanism 44 is illustrated. This toggle mechanism includes a bracket 52 which is connected to the end 42 of ring 16 in any suitable manner. Bracket 52 is formed with a curved outer edge portion 54 which, when the cover is positioned on the wheel, is adapted to engage within the safety groove 26 on the wheel rim. An axially extending stud 56 is pivotally supported on a bifurcated portion 58 of bracket 52. A toggle link 60 is fixedly connected at one end to stud 56. A curved spring steel link 62 has one end connected to end 40 of link 16 as at 64 and has its other end connected to toggle link 60 as at 66. Stud 56 projects axially outwardly through an opening 68 in cover 14 and is fashioned with a kerf 70 or other suitable configuration at its axially outer end for enabling the stud to be rotated by a turning tool such as a screwdriver, wrench or the like.

In FIG. rotary toggle mechanism 44 is shown in the locked condition wherein ring 16 is expanded in to tight frictional engagement with the safety groove 26 on the rim. In FIG. 6 toggle mechanism 44 is illustrated in the unlocked condition wherein ring 16 is circumferentially contracted to a condition wherein its effective outer diameter is somewhat less than the inner diameter of the safety groove 26. If desired, ring 16 and toggle mechanism 44 can be designed such that in the contracted condition of the ring its outer diameter is only slightly greater than the inner diameter of the tire bead seat 22 at the circular portion thereof designated A in FIG. 2 so that ring 16 can be snapped into and out of engagement with safety groove 26 by the exertion of a relatively slight force.

As will be apparent from FIGS. 5 and 6, in order to circumferentially contract ring 16 it is only necessary to rotate stud 56 in a counter-clockwise direction so that the connection 66 between toggle link 60 and spring link 62 will be revolved around stud 56 from the position shown in FIG. 5 to the position shown in FIG. 6. Such rotation of stud 56 causes the end 40 of the ring 16 to be shifted circumferentially from the position shown in broken lines to the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 6. With the toggle mechanism in the condition shown in FIG. 6, when it is desired to lock the wheel cover on the wheel, the cover is postioned to overlie the wheel, pushed axially inwardly to snap ring 16 into loose engagement with the safety groove 26 and stud 56 is then rotated in a clockwise direction. When stud 56 is rotated in a clockwise direction the pivotal connection 66 between toggle link 60 and spring link 62 is revolved from the position shown in FIG. 6 to the position shown in FIG. 5 and the end 40 of ring 16 is shifted circumferentially of the wheel from the solid line position to the broken line position illustrated in FIG. 6. This causes ring 16 to circumferentially expand into tight frictional engagement with safety groove 26 on rim 20 to firmly retain the cover on the wheel. Link 62 is preferably of arcuate shape to enable it to compensate for slight variations in sizes between wheels and also to maintain the ring 16 under a circumferential compressive force when the toggle mechanism is locked. In other words, the toggle mechanism is designed such that the radius of curvature of link 62 is smaller in the locked position of the toggle (FIG. 5) than in the unlocked position of the toggle (FIG. 6). It will be observed that in the locked position of the toggle, link 60 abuts against the wall 72 of bracket 52 and the connection 66 is over-center relative to a line interconnecting the axis of stud 56 and the pivotal connection 64. The toggle mechanism is thus retained in the over-center locked position.

As indicated above, ring 16 is circumferentially expanded and contracted by toggle mechanism 44. Since in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 7a ring 16 is rigidly connected to brackets 34, some of the brackets 34 are mounted on the wheel cover so as to allow for this circumferential movement of ring 16 relative to the wheel cover. In the specific embodiment shown the two brackets 34 adjacent the cord portion 50 of ring 16 are fixedly mounted on the wheel cover. How- ;ever, the remaining brackets 34 are fashioned with angularly elongated openings 74 which enable these brack ets to shift slightly in a radial and a circumferential direction relative to the wheel cover so as to compensate for the circumferential expansion and contraction of ring 16 as shown in FIG. 3. Accordingly, screws 38 are fashioned with a shoulder 38a (FIG. 2) for enabling the brackets 34 provided with the angularly related opening 74 to slide freely relative to the wheel cover when the screws 38 are tightened in the bosses 36.

-Ring 16, as indicated previously, is preferably formed as a steel rod. It need not be formed of spring steel, however, since even cold rolled steel is able to stand the slight amount of flexing resulting from expansion and contraction of the rod. In order to improve the gripping action between ring 16 and the safety groove 26 on the wheel rim, ring 16 may be coated with a friction material, such as cork. Preferably ring 16 is coated with a plastic material, such as vinyl, on which the cork is fused. In this manner the frictional characteristics of the ring are not only improved (as much as 50%) but the plastic covering forms a rust-proof coating on the ring. It is important that ring 16 frictionally engage the safety groove 26 with sufficient force to prevent relative rotation between the wheel and wheel cover. Some automobile manufacturers, for example, require the wheel cover to remain in a fixed position on the wheel when a torque of 150 foot pounds is'applied to the cover. The wheel cover of this inven tion has successfully met such specifications.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 thru 11 the expandable ring, designated 76, is fashioned with a plurality of radially inwardly exptending U-shaped bends 78, by means of which the ring is mounted on the rear face of the wheel cover 82. As is shown in FIG. 10, the annular boss 84 of plastic cover 82 has a plurality of headed studs 86 secured therein. The flanged heads 88 of studs 86 are adapted to at least partially overlap the U-shaped bends 78, 80 of ring 76 to prevent axial separation of the ring and cover. However, the U-shaped bends 78 permit ring 76 to shift radially relative to the cover and the bends 80 permit the adjacent portions of ring 76 to shift both radially and circumferentially of the cover.

The parted ends of ring 76 are connected to a rotary toggle plate 90 as at 92,94. Toggle plate 90 is formed integrally with a circular disc 96 which is journalled in a circular centering cavity 98 on the rear side of cover 82. Disc 96 and plate 90 are formed with a noncircular socket 100 which registers with an opening 102 in the wheel cover for enabling plate 90 to be rotated in opposite directions by means of a conventional turning tool. The connections 92,94 between the parted ends of ring 76 and toggle plate 90 are offset from the axis of rotation of plate 90. Plate 90 has an offset cam edge 104 which, when plate 90 is rotated clockwise from the position shown in FIG. 11 to the position shown in FIG. 8, is adapted to engage within the safety groove 26 on the wheel rim.

When plate 90 is rotated from the position shown in FIG. 11 to that shown in FIG. 8 the parted ends of ring 76 are separated so as to expand the ring into tight frictional engagement with the safety groove 26. At the same time edge 104 engages safety groove 26 to retain the rotary toggle mechanism in the locked condition. It will be observed that in the arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 8 through 11 only the arcuate portions 106 of ring 76 are designed to engage within the safety groove 26 of the wheel rim. The cord portion 108 clears the valve stem 48. The curved end portions 110 of ring 76 are spaced radially inwardly of the circular shaped portions 106 and are adapted to flex slightly when the toggle mechanism is actuated from the unlocked to the locked condition.

In FIGS. 12 through 15 there is illustrated a slightly modified form of toggle mechanism usable with a wheel cover locking ring. In this arrangement the opposite ends of the circumferentially contractible ring are designated 112 and 114. The end 114 of the ring is bent axially outwardly into a stud portion 116 on which a sleeve 118 is rotatably supported. At its axially outer end sleeve 118 is formed with a noncircular socket 120 for receiving a turning tool. Sleeve 118 is adapted to project outwardly to the front side of the wheel cover as shown in FIG. 16 through an aperture 122. A disc 124 is fixedly connected to the axially inner end of sleeve 118. The end 112 of the circumferentially contractible ring is pivotally connected to disc 124 as at 126 a location radially offset from the axis of rotation of disc 124. On its rear side disc 124 is provided with a stop pin 128 for limiting the extent to which disc 124 can be rotated in a clockwise direction to lock the toggle in an over-center position. The rotary toggle mechanism is shown in the unlocked condition in FIG. 14, that is, the condition wherein the ring is circumferentially contracted in FIG. 14, and in the locked condition in FIG. 12 wherein the ring is circumferentially expanded. In either the locked or unlocked condition of the toggle, the outer edge of the toggle disc 124 is adapted to engage within the safety groove 26 of rim 20 as shown in FIG. 13.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show a further form of rotary toggle locking mechanism. In this arrangement the rotary toggle comprises a sheet metal stamping 130 having an intermediate tubular portion 132, a cup-shaped head portion 134 and an elongated base plate 136. The end portion 138 of the circumferentially contractible ring is bent into a stud 140 which is received within the central tubular portion 132 of the stamping 130. The other end portion 142 of the ring is connected to base plate 136 as at 144. The cup-shaped end 134 is fashioned with a screwdriver slot 146 and is journalled within a cylindrical bore 148 extending through the wheel cover. A lug 150 struck axially inwardly from base plate 136 limits the extent to which cap 134 can be rotated in a clockwise direction so that the lug engages the end portion 138 of the ring to lock the toggle mechanism in the over-center locked position (FIG. 16). To unlock the toggle and contract the ring, cap 134 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction as by means of a screwdriver or the like.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19 is generally similar to that shown in FIGS. 8 and 11 except that in FIG. 18 ring 152 comprises a plurality of cords 154 interconnected by U-shaped bends 156, 158. The U bends 156 enable ring 152 to shift primarily radially relative to the wheel cover 160 while the U bends 158 enable the adjacent portions of the ring to shift both radially and circumferentially of the wheel cover. In this arrangernent the portions of ring 152 which engage within the safety groove 26 of rim 20 are the rounded corner portions 162 between the straight cords 154 and the U bends 156, 158. While any of the rotary toggle mechanisms previously described may be employed for interconnecting the parted ends 164, 166 of ring 152, the circular disc type of FIGS. 12 through 14 is illustrated in FIG. 18. Axial separation between the wheel cover and ring 152 is prevented by headed studs 168 which engage ring 152 at the portions thereof between the U bends 156, 158.

When the rotary toggle mechanism is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 18 the end portions 164, 166 of ring 152 are moved relatively toward one another to contract ring 152 and thus permit placement of the wheel cover over the wheel with ring 152 lying generally in the plain of safety groove 26. Thereafter, when the rotary toggle mechanism is rotated in a clockwise direction the ring is circumferentially expanded and causes the rounded corner portions 162 adjacent each of the U bends to frictionally engage with the safety groove 26 on rim 20 to firmly retain the cover on the wheel.

Another embodiment of wheel cover according to the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 20 through 23.

In this arrangement the circumferentially expandable ring 170 is generally circular in shape and has a radially inwardly offset portion 172 to clear the valve stem of the wheel. The opposite end portions 174, 176 of ring 170 are connected to a rotatable toggle plate 178. Plate 178 is fixedly mounted on a bushing 180 from the axially outer end of which extends a noncircular stud 182 projecting through an opening 184 in wheel cover 186. The end portion 174 of ring 170 is connected to plate 178 as at 188 and end portion 176 of ring 170 is connected to plate 178 as at 190. In FIG. 20 ring 170 is shown in the contracted condition. Plate 178 has a cam edge 1'92 which, when the plate is rotated clockwise as viewed from the outer side of the wheel cover (FIG. 23), is adapted to engage in the safety groove 26 of the wheel rim to hold the toggle mechanism in the locked condition illustrated in FIG. 23 wherein the pivotal connections 188 and 190 are spaced apart circumferentially to retain ring 170 in its expanded position engaging within safety groove 26.

In the specific form illustrated in FIG. 20 through 23 the wheel cover 186 is formed of sheet metal, such as stainless steel, and ring 170 is supported on the rear side thereof by means of a plurality of spring fingers 194 which are integral with and extend axially inwardly from a sheet metal ring 196 secured to the cover as by crimping the outer peripheral edge" of the cover as at 198 over the outer peripheral edge 200 of ring 196. At their axially inner ends springs fingers 194 are bifurcated as at 202 to receive ring 170 therebetween. Ring 170 is preferably welded, brazed or otherwise suitably connected with one of the spring fingers, designated 194a in FIG. 20, while the ring is shiftable circumferentially between the bifurcations on the inner ends of the other spring fingers 194. In the arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 20 through 23 when ring 170 is expanded spring fingers 194 are flexed radially outwardly so that the bifurcations 202 engage with the safety groove 26 in the wheel rim to firm- 1y retain the cover on the wheel.

As illustrated in FIG. 24 the spring fingers 204 may be formed independently of supporting ring 206 and spot welded thereto as at 208 so as to extend axially inwardly of the wheel whereby the bifurcations at the inner ends thereof and ring 170 will register axially with safety groove 26 when the cover is placed against the wheel. As shown in FIG. 25, the cover itself, designated 210, may be molded from plastic and the spring fingers 212 may be mounted thereon by riveting the spring fingers as at 214 to heavy bosses 216 molded integrally with the cover.

In the wheel cover arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 26 through 28 ring member 218 is generally rectangularly shaped and at each of the four corners thereof it is connected to a stamped bracket 220. Two of the brackets, designated 220a in FIG. 26, are fixedly mounted on wheel cover 222 as by headed studs 224. The other two brackets 220 are likewise secured to cover 222 by headed studs 224 but the Openings in the brackets through which the studs extend are angularly elongated as at 226 to enable the latter bracket to shift slightly circumferentially and radially of the wheel cover. One end of ring 218 is wrapped around a circular boss 228 on a rotatable toggle plate 230. A noncircular stud 232 projects axially outwardly from boss 228 and through cover 222 for enabling rotation of toggle plate 230 with a turning tool from the outer side of the cover. The other end of ring 218 is pivotally connected with toggle plate 230 as at 234. The end portion of ring 218 connected to plate 230 at 234 is curved as indicated at 236. The ring 218 is preferably formed from somewhat resilient steel rod so that the curved portion 236 is capable of flexing slightly when toggle plate 230 rotated in opposite directions to lock and unlock the toggle. In the locked condition of toggle (that is, when ring 218 is in the expanded condition), a cam edge 238 on toggle plate 230 engages within safety groove 26 to retain the toggle in a locked position. When ring 218 is circumferentially expanded by separating the toggle mechanism the corner edges 240 of each bracket 220 and 220a bite into and frictionally engage within safety groove 26 (as shown in FIG. 27) to firmly retain the cover on the wheel.

In the arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 29 through 31 the ring comprises a plurality of individual rods 242, 244, 246 and 248. These rods are mounted on the rear side of cover 250 by means of brackets 252, 254, 256 and 258. Brackets 254, 256 and 258 are formed with two pair of axially inwardly struck apertured ears 260 and 262. Bracket 252 is fashioned with only one pair of said ears 260, 262. The ends of rods 242, 244 and 246 are inserted through the ears 260, 262 with a slight press fit. One end of rod 248 is press fitted through the ears 260, 262 of bracket 258 while the other end of rod 248 is pivotally connected as at 264 to a toggle plate 266. Toggle plate 266 is pivotally supported on bracket 252 as at 268 by means of a stud 270 (FIG. 31) of noncircular cross section which is adapted to extend through a registering opening in the wheel cover to permit actuation of the toggle mechanism from the front or outer side of the cover.

Rod 248 is preferably formed from spring steel with a slight bow therein to compensate for variations in di mensions between different wheels. The other rods are dimentioned in length such that, when toggle plate 266 is actuated to the locked condition illustrated in FIG. 29, the opposite ends 272 of the rods dig into and frictionally engage the safety groove 26 on the rim. This action is facilitated by the fact that brackets 252 and 258 are fashioned with elongated slots 274 for enabling these two brackets to shift slightly radially and circumferentially relative to the wheel cover. Each of the brackets is secured to the wheel cover by a headed stud 276. The brackets are further located around the annular boss 278 of the plastic wheel cover by molded locaters 280. In connection with brackets 252 and 258 locaters 280 are positioned to perrnit slight shifting movement of the brackets. Toggle plate 266 is preferably provided with an ear 282 adapted to engage an edge of bracket 252 for retaining the toggle mechanism in the over-center locked condition.

The arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 32 through 34 is somewhat similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 29 through 31. However, in FIGS. 32 through 34 each bracket 284 is formed with a serrated outer edge 286. Each bracket is provided with a shoulder 288 against which the ends 290 of the rods 292 are adapted to abut when the toggle mechanism (generally designated 294) is actuated to the locked position illustrated in FIG. 2. Rods 292 extend through apertured ears 296 on brackets 284. Thus, with this arrangement the serrated edges 286 of brackets 284 are adapted to bight into and fractionally engage the safety groove 26 of the wheel rim when the toggle mecha nism is actuated to expand the ring. As shown in FIG. 32, toggle mechanism 294 is supported directly on one of the brackets 284 and is fashioned with a stop 298 for retaining the bowed spring rod 300 in the over-center locked position. In other respects the arrangement shown in FIGS. 32 through 34 is generally the same as that illustrated in FIGS. 29 through 31.

As indicated in the various embodiments shown and described above, the term rotary toggle mechanism as used herein refers to the connection between the ends of the ring which, when rotated in one direction, causes at least one of the ring ends to shift circumferentially to a locked position (either by reason of a cam or by moving the end over center or by both) wherein it requires the application of a manual rotary force to unlock the toggle.

We claim:

1. A cover in combination with a vehicle wheel of the type having an annular, radially inwardly facing surface on the rim thereof which is concentric to the wheel axis, said cover having a body portion of sufiicient radial extent to overlie said annular surface when the cover is placed concentrically against the wheel, means defining a ring member secured generally concentric to the cover on the rear face thereof and adapted to register axially with said annular surface when the cover is pushed against the wheel, said ring member having parted ends so that the ring can be circumferentially expanded and contracted by circumferentially displacing said ends relative to one another, a toggle mechanism interconnecting said ends and adapted when operated to circumferentially shift said ends relative to one another, toggle actuating means accessible from the outer side of the cover for operating said toggle mechanism so that when the toggle mechanism is actuated in one direction said ends are circumferentially displaced to contract said ring member and when actuated in the opposite direction the ends are circumferentially displaced to expand the ring member into tight frictional engagement with said annular surface.

2. A wheel cover as called for in claim 1 wherein said actuating means comprises a rotatable member adapted to circumferentially expand and contract said ring member when rotated in opposite directions.

3. A wheel cover as called for in claim 1 wherein said annular surface comprises a radially inwardly opening groove extending circumferentially around the rim.

4. A wheel cover as called for in claim 2 wherein said annular surface comprises a radially inwardly opening groove extending around the rim and said rotatable member has a portion thereof engageable in said groove when the ring member is expanded.

5. A wheel cover as called for in claim 2 wherein said annular surface comprises a radially inwardly opening groove extending around the rim and said rotatable member comprises a cam engageable in said groove to retain the toggle in the locked position when the ring member is expanded.

6. A wheel cover as called for in claim 2 wherein said rotatable member comprises a cam to which opposite end portions of the ring member are connected, said cam having an edge portion engageable with said annular surface to maintain the toggle in the locked position when the ring member is expanded.

7. A wheel cover as called for in claim 1 wherein said toggle mechanism is adapted to shift one end of the ring member to an over-center position to retain the toggle mechanism in the locked condition when the ring member is expanded.

8. A wheel cover as called for in claim 2 wherein axis of rotation of the rotatable member, said rotatable member having means therein engageable with a turning tool for operating the toggle mechanism.

9. A wheel cover as called for in caim 1 wherein said ring member comprises a metal rod having a plurality of radially inwardly extending U-shaped bends therein and means on the inner side of the cover projecting axially through said U-shaped bends for retaining the ring member on the cover.

10. A wheel cover as called for in claim 9 wherein said last-mentioned means comprises headed studs overlapping and slidably engaging at least some of said U-shaped bends.

11. A wheel cover as called for in claim 1 wherein said ring member is generally circular in shape and is adapted to frictionally engage said annular surface throughout a majority portion of its periphery.

12. A wheel cover as called for in claim 1 wherein said ring member comprises a plurality of angularly related cords which are adapted to frictionally engage said annular surface adjacent their opposite ends.

13. A wheel cover as called for in claim 1 wherein at least one end portion of said ring connected with said toggle mechanism is of arcuate shape and resilient to facilitate flexing thereof when the toggle is actuated to the locked condition.

14. A wheel cover as called for in claim 1 including a plurality of brackets moved on the inner face of said cover and connected with said ring member, at least some of said brackets being supported by the cover for slight radial and circumferential movement thereon.

15. A wheel cover as called for in claim 1 including a plurality of generally axially inwardly extending, radially flexible fingers mounted on the inner side of said cover, said ring member being supported on the free ends of said fingers.

16. A wheel cover as called for in claim wherein said ring member is supported on at least some of said spring fingers for circumferentially shifting movement thereon.

17. A wheel cover as called for in claim 15 wherein said ring member when contracted by said toggle mechanism is adapted to flex said fingers radially inwardly and when expanded is adapted to flex said fingers radially outwardly.

18. A wheel cover as called for in claim 15 wherein the free ends of said fingers extend around the radially outer sides of said ring member so that when the ring member is expanded the free ends of said fingers are frictionally engaged with said annular surface.

19. A wheel cover as called for in claim 1 wherein said ring has at least those portions thereof engageable with said annular surface coated with a material which enhances the frictional properties of the surface thereof.

20. A wheel cover as called for in claim 19 wherein said material comprises cork.

21. A wheel cover as called for in claim 1 wherein said ring is coated iwth a material adapted to resist rust and to enhance the frictional properties thereof.

22. A wheel cover as called for in claim 1 wherein said ring is generally shaped as a straight sided polygon.

23. A wheel cover as called for in claim 22 including brackets at each corner of the ring for securing the ring to the cover.

24. A wheel cover as called for in claim 22 wherein one side of said ring is bowed and the remaining sides are generally straight.

25. A wheel cover as called for in claim 24 wherein each side of said ring comprises a rod and including a plurality of brackets interconnecting the adjacent ends of circumferentially adjacent rods, said brackets being mounted on said cover.

26. A wheel cover as called for in claim 25 wherein said rods are slideably mounted on said brackets and are dimensioned so that when the toggle mechanism is actuated to expand the ring the ends of the rods shift into firm frictional engagement with said annular surface on the rim.

27. A wheel cover as called for in claim 25 wherein said rods are connected to said brackets such that the brackets frictionally engage said annular surface when the ring is expanded.

28. A wheel cover as called for in claim 27 wherein said brackets have serrated outer peripheral edges adapted to frictionally engage said annular surface.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,140,535 5/ 1915 Schroeder 220-61 1,268,550 6/1918 Dunlap 292256.67 X 1,362,340 12/ 1920 Moore 30127 1,954,140 4/1934 Lyon 30137 2,812,215 11/1957 Waite 301-37 2,902,316 9/ 1959 Black 301-37 RICHARD J. JOHNSON, Primary Examiner UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No 3 ,480 329 November 25 1969 Edwin E Foster et al It is certified that error appears in the above identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1, line 41, cancel "admirbaly" and insert admirably line 65, "2" should read 8 Column 4, line 58, "exptending" should read extending Column 7, line 12, "bracket" should read brackets line 24, after "230" insert is line 54, "mentioned" should read mensioned Column 8, line 5, ":Eractionally" should read frictionall line 74, after "wherein" insert said cover has an opening therein which registers with the Column 9, line 3, "caim" should read claim line 16, "majority" should read major line 27, "moved" should read mounted Column 10, line 8, "iwth" should read with Signed and sealed this 2nd day of June 1970.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.PLETCHER,JR. WILLIAM E. SCHUYLER, JR. Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

